In a message dated 9/5/02 8:27:42 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
> > Actually, construction workers do need to know how to read. If you can not > read a construction plan, make and read a list of materials, compute > algebraic equations using high school (and for some crafts, college) -level > math, and fill out paper work to bill the customer, you will not be anything > more than a broom pusher on a modern construction site. > Keith says: Thank you Gary, but I am referencing the modest, (neighbor)hood alternatives to 'flipping burgers and drugs in the hood.' As a small business man called landlord, with huge turnover and wear and tear at my buildings I know what WE do every day on site. We wash it, deodorize, patch holes, remount doors, glaze, roll screen, tighten knobs and hinges, and paint (among other things). Over and over again. Sometimes twice a year, or more! I had "Cuba", who had a tough time speaking English and could not read, or read a tape measure, gainfully employed. And mostly off the streets. And he helped ME make money. Or "Amiga", who is cleaning apartments, and doing excellent work, can still look after her precious child, and help pay her rent. As these people learn what Keith needs to make his business succeed; they gain a direct ability to market that skill (perhaps for more gain) back to me or the next property owner. They may even formalize cleaning apartments into a small business, rather then just a 'job'. Gary, I agree that reading and math are essential, making material lists, following written instructions, even avoiding mixing bleach and ammonia, are vital. You can read well, but do you know how to make a Whopper/ My way? Or turn a bag of dope into a pocket full of money? Or turn around an apartment expeditiously for rerent? People with handyman, and even cleaning skills are eminently employable and able to sustain themselves in old Mpls. I work in the hood, with the hood. I face and meet the challenge-pool there with the skill-pool there. It is incredibly difficult; and it is different then building 'Block E'. Yet a bunch of us keep trying, with some degree of positive outcome. Day after Day. _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A Civil City Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
